Software:Virtua Chess

From HandWiki
Short description: 1995 video game
Virtua Chess
Developer(s)Titus France SA[1]
Publisher(s)Titus France SA[1]
Designer(s)
  • Marc-François Baudot
  • Jean-Christophe Weill[2]
Platform(s)MS-DOS, Windows
Release1995
Genre(s)Computer chess
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Virtua Chess (also known as Virtual Chess) is a 1995 chess video game developed and published by Titus France SA for the MS-DOS. It was later ported to Windows. Two sequels were released: Virtual Chess 2 for the Windows in 1997 and Virtual Chess 64 for the Nintendo 64 in 1998.

Gameplay

The 3D graphics have been modeled using a Silicon Graphics computer.[1] The interface can be customised by having up to nine windows simultaneously on the screen, the 2D and 3D boards can be viewed at the same time. The 3D view can be rotated and zoomed in and out of. A 386SX is require to run the game. Virtua Chess supports multiplayer via IPX and Saitek's magnetic PC Auto Chessboard.[2]

Development

In 1989, when Jean-Christophe Weill was studying for a Diplôme d'études approfondies (fr) degree in artificial intelligence, he began programming the chess engine, which would be the basis for Virtua Chess. He decided to register for a chess engine tournament with another programmer, Marc-François Baudot. The engine finished second to last but drew against Mephisto, one of the stronger engines of the time. According to Weill, the poor result was due to bugs, in particular one involving the en passant rule. Following that, the engine continued to evolve with constant tweaks. It gets entirely rewritten in assembly language, whereas previous versions had parts in C. During a tournament, they met Eric Caen from Titus and got signed up to do a commercial program with Titus handling the graphics and sound.[2] In January 1995, a beta version of Virtua Chess participated in a European chess engine tournament. It was ranked 36th out of 796 participants. Virtua Chess' Elo rating was estimated at 2300.[3]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
CGWC[4]
PC Gamer (US)86%[1]
Génération 4 (fr)80% (DOS)[3]
4/6 (Win)[5]
PC Joker56%[6]
PC Team (fr)85%[7]
Power Play (magazine) (de)66%[8]

PC Gamer criticized the game for lacking a tutorial but concluded that "[...] the strong gameplay and smooth interface does position Virtua Chess within striking distance of the elite chess sims."[1] Joystick called Virtua Chess the best program of its kind. They liked the multi-windowing, 3D board view and "the many levels of play that are perfectly suited to beginners". The game was criticized for not supporting multiplayer via null modem.[2] Génération 4 (fr) liked the interface and the number of game options but called the graphics and sound "austere". The game was said to be not friendly to beginners due to lack of tutorials and the difficulty of the AI.[3] The Windows version was said to have an improved interface.[5] Computer Gaming World said Kasparov's Gambit's has a better interface and Chessmaster 4000 and 5000 have the stronger opponents. The game was called "strictly bargain-bin material".[4] PC Joker said the interface is awkward to use.[6]

Sequels

A sequel, Virtual Chess 2, was released in 1997 for the Windows. Génération 4 gave a positive review, praising the wealth of game options and help systems.[9] PC Player gave a more negative review, they liked the level of playing strength and the tutorial but disliked the interface and the overall presentation.[10]

Another sequel was released in 1998: Virtual Chess 64 for the Nintendo 64. It features animated chess pieces similar to Battle Chess. The game received mixed reviews from critics.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Novicki, Joseph (September 1995). "Reviews - Virtua Chess". PC Gamer (Future plc) 2 (9): 99. https://archive.org/details/UneditedPCGamer_marktrade/PC_Gamer_016u/page/n99/mode/2up. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Vidéotest - Virtua Chess" (in French). Joystick (59): 104-106. April 1995. https://archive.org/details/joystick059/page/n103/mode/2up. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Latil, Didier (April 1995). "Test - Virtua Chess" (in French). Génération 4 (SARL Pressimage) (76): 96-98. https://archive.org/details/generation4-magazine-076/page/n95/mode/2up. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Coleman, Terry Lee (November 1995). "Survey - The Game of Kings". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (136): 278-290. https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_136/page/n281/mode/2up. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Latil, Didier (December 1995). "Test Express - Virtua Chess" (in French). Génération 4 (SARL Pressimage) (83): 170. https://archive.org/details/generation4-magazine-083/page/n169/mode/2up. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Duy, Manfred (October 1995). "Brainstorm - Virtua Chess" (in German). PC Joker (Joker-Verlag) (10/95): 38. https://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=15179. 
  7. ↑ Louguet, Frédéric (May 1995). "Ludi-labo - Virtua Chess 1.0" (in French). PC Team (Posse Press) (2): 54. https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=109&num=3371&album=oui. 
  8. ↑ Schwindt, Peter (September 1995). "Test - Virtua Chess" (in German). Power Play (Magna Media) (9/95): 143. https://archive.org/details/powerplaymagazine-1995-09/page/n109/mode/2up. 
  9. ↑ Latil, Didier (October 1997). "Test Express - Virtual Chess II" (in French). Génération 4 (SARL Pressimage) (103): 194. https://archive.org/details/generation4-magazine-103/page/n193/mode/2up. 
  10. ↑ Miguet, Thierry (November 1998). "Spiele-Test - Virtual Chess 2" (in German). PC Player (11/98): 225. https://archive.org/details/PC-Player-German-Magazine-1998-11/page/n109/mode/2up. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari





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